The sign has been at southeast corner of McGregor and South Grove Avenue for the past 70 years.

The sign, green neon when powered and shining, has been dark for about nine months. Recently, a large truck backed into the sign, and it now leans slightly.

The sign dates to 1943 when it was put up by George Gruesbeck, a Seventh-Day Adventist. The sign has stood in the front yard of the home since then, except for brief periods when it was stored in a garage on the grounds.

The current homeowner, Sherry Rydberg, said financial issues have made it impossible for her to continue to own the house she has owned since 1996, so the home is in foreclosure. The sign's power is tied to the house's service with Florida Power & Light Co.

"I paid to keep the sign lit for that entire time. I understand the importance of the sign, but I just can't afford to pay for it," she said.

T. Wainwright Miller Jr., president of the John E & Aliese Price Foundation Inc. of Fort Myers, said the sign has been an area icon for so long that it needs to be put back in working order.

Miller said he contacted a sign company and a power company.

"I arranged with Ric Pritchett of Carter Signs to determine the work to be done on the God Is Love sign, and to proceed with a complete refurbishing," said Miller. "Further, I instructed Jack Morrison of Morrison Electric to arrange for an electric service separate from the house from Florida Power and Light."

Pritchett confirmed the work order and said his crews would check over the sign.

Miller also vowed the sign will no longer go without power. "I will see that the bills for electricity are paid," he said.

For many, the sign is an icon that has touched their lives in some way.

Richard Akin, chairman of the board of directors for Lee Memorial Health System, was adamant that the sign be repaired.

"We can't have this happen," he said.

Akin is assisting Miller with any possible legal aspects of the sign's repair.